Preview: Hyderabad look to extend unbeaten run against NorthEast United

The Nizams have gone without a defeat in their last three matches.

Hyderabad FC face NorthEast United in match No. 28 of Indian Super League 2021-22. Both teams were involved in an intense battle for the playoffs spots last season, with the Highlanders eventually finishing third, while Hyderabad missed out by two points. Their season though has gone in contrasting ways, with Hyderabad just one point far from the top four spots, after two wins from four matches. NorthEast United, from a game more, are reeling in ninth with four points.

A win will take Hyderabad FC as high as second, while NorthEast United will want to get out of jail after three defeats in five points. Khalid Jamil's men can make a big jump with a win against one of the best teams in this edition. The Nizams have a good record against NorthEast, having won two of four ISL meetings against them.

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The Stakes

Hyderabad FC have momentum coming into this game after beating Bengaluru FC 1-0 in their previous outing. A win against the Highlanders will elevate them into the top four positions, where they objectively want to finish by the end of the season. Manolo Marquez's side have looked compact in defence and have Bartholomew Ogbeche leading the line for them. They have conceded only three goals, second-lowest so far in the season.

NorthEast United have only won one game out of five fixtures, which is worrying. Khalid Jamil’s men have already lost three matches, the same number of matches they lost in the entire 2020-21 league campaign. It is imperative that the tactician rallies his troops and starts collecting more points.

Team News

Halicharan Narzary could make the bench, if not the starting lineup at the very least. The 27-year-old hobbled off in the opening match of their campaign and has since been out. Hyderabad FC are also missing Mohammad Yasir, while Edu Garcia is likely to make a return.

NorthEast United are without Federico Gallego, who is out for the rest of the season. No other major injury concerns to report from the NEUFC camp.

Head-to-Head

Hyderabad FC and NorthEast United have faced each other four times in the ISL previously. Out of those four meetings, HFC have won two matches, while NEUFC have won one and the other ended in a draw, which was the last meeting.

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Probable Lineups

Hyderabad FC: Kattimani (GK); Rai, Juanan, Chinglensana Singh, Mishra; Chakrabarti, Victor, Poojary, Jadhav; Ogbeche, Siverio.

NorthEast United: Michu (GK); Lakra, Shereef, Santana, Gurjinder Kumar; Coureur, Camara, Sehnaj Singh; Rochharzela, Brown, Suhair.

Man to Watch

Bartholomew Ogbeche (Hyderabad FC)

Bartholomew Ogbeche lifted the league double with Mumbai City last season and has brought the winning mentality to his new team. He is strong upfront as a target man, gets into multiple scoring positions and loves to get involved in the build-up.

The Nigerian has already scored three vital goals for Hyderabad, including the winner against Bengaluru in the previous game. NorthEast United must come up with a plan to restrict Ogbeche, who can single-handedly win the game for his side.

Khassa Camara (NorthEast United)

NorthEast United’s engine is Khassa Camara. The central midfielder runs for the whole duration of the game and does not shy away from his responsibilities. He scored the winner with a stunning long-ranger against FC Goa in NorthEast's sole win this season.

Camara is a leader in midfield, who is always firm in a challenge and duels. For Jamil's side to clinch this match, the Mauritian midfielder will have to play a big game.

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Did You Know?

• Hyderabad FC are unbeaten against NorthEast United in their last three encounters.
• Khassa Camara’s goal against FC Goa was his first for the club since joining them last season.
• NorthEast United goalkeeper Subhasish Roy Chowdhury has made the most saves in ISL 2021-22, with 17.

Telecast

The match between Hyderabad FC and NorthEast United will be played at the GMC Athletic Stadium on December 13 (Monday). The kick-off is at 7:30 pm. The match will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network. You can also catch the live stream on the Disney+Hotstar and Jio TV apps.

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